Member Reviews
Twelve-year-old Ruby Bean, who knows too well about missing mothers, sets out with her aunt to search for her mother, Ruthie, who has disappeared again. Along the way, a jewelry store robbery and a surprising act of kindness add twists to their journey, taking them from Georgia to New York. Through it all, Ruby learns that even in difficult times, unexpected moments of hope and joy can appear if you keep believing.
This touching children’s story, complemented by gentle illustrations, follows Ruby as she and her aunt set out to find her missing mother, Ruthie. The book thoughtfully introduces themes of mental health and addiction in a way that’s approachable and sensitive for young readers.
This book is going to be so important when its released. Not every child has a mum like Ruby's, but lots have an adult in their life with poor/unstable mental health. The picture of Ruby's life that is created is one that many children will, unfortunately, recognise. The story isn't one about a mum who is unwell all the time. This mum has good periods, bad periods and inbetween periods when she's neither good nor bad, just meh. And the best bit? It doesn't end all happy and mum is fixed. This feels like a 'real' story and not one that's been written to all live happily ever after. Ruby makes a hard, terrifying choice about her mum and it has consequences, but she made the decision for the right reasons. This is an incredible story.
This was a very sweet story. Ruby is a cutie and this was well written from the perspective of a 12 year old who has grown up with some serious issues around her and is in that weird in between state of way to mature and still not quite there. Mental health and addiction can hit anybody and "Somebodys Someone" is a good way to think about others.
This was a beautifully done and realistic story being told, it had that element that I was looking for and was invested in what was going on. The characters felt like real people and was invested in their story. It was written in a way that I was looking for and was engaged with the way Linda Oatman High wrote this.
I read this book in one sitting. It was just so beautifully written. It handles the topics of mental health and addiction with honesty and so much care. It would be wonderful for students in grades 4-6th. The mixing of character is eclectic and a great mix that fits the message of the story perfectly.